MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE GEORGETOWN
CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD HELD JANUARY 23, 2006, 7:30 p.m.
The
meeting was called to order at
Prayer
for guidance by Del South
Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag
Roll
Call
Present: Bill Holland, Daniel Carlton, R. J.
Poel, Del South, Richard VanderKlok,
Dale Mohr, Stanley Sterk
Absent: none
#060123-01 - Public Comments
No one was present to make comments.
#060123-02 - Approval of
agenda as
presented for January 23, 2006
Moved by R. J. Poel, seconded by Richard VanderKlok,
to approve the agenda
as presented.
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-03 - Communications,
letters and reports: Received for information, to be filed:
A. Sheriff
Department Report for December 2005
B. Library
Report for December 2005
C. Planning
Commission agenda for February 1, 2006
D. Planning
Commission meeting minutes for January 18, 2006 {note motion # 060118-08
which included the tabling of the proposed zoning ordinance amendment to Sec.
22.2(B)}
E. Planning
Commission Review Comments for January 2006
F. Fire
Department Report for December 2005
#060123-04 - Consent agenda
Moved
by R. J. Poel, seconded by Del South, to approve the consent agenda as
presented.
a. Approval of minutes of the regular board meeting held on January 9, 2006
b. Approval
of Monthly
Bills
c. Approval
for authorization to seek bids to purchase a DPW new generator for an
estimated
cost of $32,000 and to accept the bid of $8,100 to sell the old one (SULLAIR 70
KW) (The Finance Committee recommends approval)
d.
Approval of Resolution
for Walk for Warmth 2006 (The Finance
Committee
e.
recommends
approval)
f.
Approval of Drain Improvements for a section
Lowing-Comstock Drain, Township cost
to be 87% of $4920.00 which is $4280.00, as per the estimate
from the Drain Commissioner (The Finance Committee recommends approval)
MOTION
CARRIED.
#060123-05 - Free Employee
Skating
Moved by Dale Mohr, seconded by Stanley Sterk, to
approve free skating during public skate time for full time employees and their
immediate families (defined as dependents living in the same household)
Note: The Water Sewer Committee recommends approval
It was noted that this does not include skate
rental. A concern was noted about this would
be enforced and there was discussion whether part time employees should be
included.
Yeas: Del
South, Dale Mohr, Richard VanderKlok, Stanley Sterk
Nays: Daniel
Carlton, R. J. Poel, Bill Holland
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-06 - Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance
2006-02 Fire Code Ordinance
Moved
by Stanley Sterk, seconded by R. J. Poel, to approve the second reading and
adoption of Ordinance No. 2006-02, Fire Code Ordinance, as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2006-02
Fire Code Ordinance
The Charter Township of
Georgetown ordains that Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances is amended as
follows:
Chapter 34 FIRE
PREVENTION AND PROTECTION*
__________
ARTICLE II.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
DIVISION 1.
GENERALLY
Sec. 34-26.
Purpose of article.
Pursuant to the authority
granted the township board under Act No. 33 of the Public Acts of Michigan of
1951 (MCL 41.801 et seq.), as amended, the purpose of this article is to
provide that the township board shall hereby establish the township fire
department; to establish jurisdiction and authority of the township board over
personnel selection; to establish authority to adopt rules and regulations for
the conduct of personnel and maintenance of equipment; to employ and appoint a
chief, firefighters and officers; and to prescribe the powers and duties of
fire department volunteers and employees.
(Ord. No. 156, art. I, § 101,
2-11-91)
Sec. 34-27.
Establishment; appointment of personnel; funding.
(a) There is hereby established the township fire
department. The township board,
acting
by resolution, shall appoint such persons who, based on experience, training,
and qualifications, would, in its discretion, best perform the duties
associated with providing fire protection to the citizens of the township.
(b) The township board shall approve an annual appropriation for
the operation and
maintenance
of the department and its equipment and, for that purpose, shall have the
authority to use general funds, to initiate the creation of a special
assessment district and levy assessments, sell bonds, establish user fees, or
raise revenues in any other manner provided for under law for the operation and
maintenance of the department; provide for payment of any debts incurred
incidental to its continued operation; purchase necessary equipment; and/or
construct public buildings for uses incidental to the maintenance and operation
of a fire department. The township board shall establish rules and regulations
for the operations of the department and the care of the equipment.
(Ord. No. 156, art. II, §§
201, 202, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-28.
Public relations.
(a) The fire chief, or his designee, may release facts regarding
fires or other
emergencies
to the news media. All other personnel shall refer all media inquiries to the chief
or the designee.
(b) Members of the public will be allowed in the fire station
only when accompanied
by
a member of the department.
(c) The public will always be treated courteously and
professionally by all
department
personnel.
(Ord. No. 156, art. VIII, §§
801--803, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-29.
Fundraising.
All fundraising activities
shall have the prior approval of the township board, and all revenues solicited
in the name of the fire department shall be deposited with the township
treasurer. Such funds will be disbursed by the township board.
(Ord. No. 156, art. XII, §
1201, 2-11-91)
Secs. 34-30--34-40.
Reserved.
DIVISION 2.
DUTIES OF THE CHIEF
Sec. 34-41.
Accountable for efficient and effective operation of department.
The township board shall authorize
the supervisor, subject to the approval of the board, to appoint a chief who
shall be the chief administrative officer of the department. The chief shall be
accountable to the township board for the efficient and effective operation of
the department, and for the department's compliance with all state laws,
township ordinances and policies. The chief shall serve at the pleasure of the
board.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
301, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-42.
Appointment of personnel.
The chief shall recommend,
subject to township board approval, the appointment of an assistant chief,
captains, lieutenants, engineers (drivers) and firefighters as may be deemed
necessary.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
302, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-43.
Development of administrative rules.
The chief shall develop
written administrative rules to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
the department, including preplanning and postincident critiques, regulations,
assignment and scheduling of personnel, and shall plan for the long-range needs
of the department.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
303, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-44.
Review; monthly report to township board.
The chief shall review all
personnel and operating problems with and shall report monthly to the township
board. A written report shall be filed annually with the township board.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
304, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-45.
Notification of township authorities of major problems or issues.
As needed, the chief shall
notify the township supervisor and fire committee of major problems or issues
that require board action. When such problems must be resolved immediately and
it is impractical or will endanger the health, safety or welfare of the
township to wait until the next board meeting to resolve the issue, the
township supervisor shall be empowered to resolve the issue or problem, subject
to the subsequent approval of the board.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
305, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-46.
Departmental information and training meetings.
The chief shall hold
regular department informational and training meetings.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
306, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-47.
Finances.
The chief may incur
expenditures against the department budget as appropriated by the township
board. The chief will monitor the unencumbered balances remaining in the
department budget and shall make timely recommendations for budget amendments
at such time as the need for such amendments become known. The department's
expenditures shall not exceed the amounts appropriated. Capital outlay
purchases shall conform to township policy regarding written quotes and
competitive bidding.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
307, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-48.
Additional responsibilities.
The chief shall also be
responsible for the following:
(1) Supervising the extinguishment of all
fires that endanger the health, safety
and
welfare of the township.
(2) Enforcing township fire ordinances or
fire prevention codes.
(3) Ensuring that all personnel are trained
and qualified for the duties that they
are
expected to fulfill.
(4) Ensuring that fire inspection and
community fire prevention programs are
conducted.
(5) Ensuring that all equipment and
buildings are properly maintained and in
good
working order.
(6) Ensuring that all department personnel
comply with departmental and
board
rules, regulations and policies.
(7) Appointing training officers.
(Ord. No. 156, art. III, §
308, 2-11-91)
Secs. 34-49--34-60.
Reserved.
DIVISION 3.
PERSONNEL
Sec. 34-61.
Officers.
(a) Chain of command. There shall be a chain of command established
among the
department
officers in descending order of rank, from the chief to the assistant chief,
captains, lieutenants, engineers, to firefighters. Each rank shall obey the
orders of their superior officers. Temporary officers may be appointed by the
senior officer present at any emergency to ensure the continuity of the chain
of command. Such temporary appointments shall terminate when the officer with
the given responsibility becomes available.
(b) Job descriptions; responsibility of command officer. The
chief shall establish a
job
description for each rank. Each command officer shall be responsible that
orders are carried out by subordinates.
(Ord. No. 156, art. IV, §§
401, 402, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-62.
Firefighters.
(a) Qualifications. Applicants for vacant firefighter positions
shall be of good
character,
possess a good driving record, and shall be screened by a physician of the
township board's choice and at township expense. The physician's examination
shall determine if the applicant has any preexisting physical conditions that
would preclude the applicant from performing the duties associated with
firefighting.
(b) Probationary period. All firefighters shall serve an initial
probationary period of
not
less than six months. At the discretion of the chief, the probationary period
may be extended. At the conclusion of the minimum probationary period, the
chief may recommend that a probationary firefighter that has met all of the
qualifications contained in the firefighter job description be given permanent
firefighter status by the township board.
(c) Entitlements of probationary firefighter. A probationary
firefighter shall be
entitled
to all compensation and benefits, but shall be restricted to perform only those
duties for which he has been specifically trained. A probationary firefighter
shall not be issued department insignias or badges. Use of emergency signal
devices on the private vehicle of a probationary firefighter shall be at the
chief's discretion.
(Ord. No. 156, art. V, §§
501--503, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-63.
Disciplinary procedures.
(a) In response to violations; documentation. Violations of any
township ordinances,
board
rules, department administrative regulations, or convictions of a felony shall
subject any personnel involved to disciplinary proceedings. A violation shall
be documented by the chief upon good cause shown, or when a violation occurs in
his presence.
(b) Written reprimand; range of disciplinary action. The chief
shall provide a copy of
the
written reprimand to an alleged violator. The written reprimand shall state the
rule that was allegedly violated, the nature of any disciplinary action taken,
and the consequences of any further reoccurrences. Disciplinary action may
range from a reprimand to a suspension, demotion or dismissal, or a combination
of any of the above, depending on:
(1) Seriousness of the violation.
(2) Consequences to the safety of others by
the violation.
(3) Potential harm to the department or the
township.
(4) Prior record of the individual.
(5) The degree of wantonness, if any, of the
act.
(c) Appeal to board. Any disciplinary action may be appealed to
the township board,
who
shall affirm, deny, or modify the disciplinary action taken by the chief. The
township board may, on its own initiative, bring charges against any fire
department personnel. Disciplinary action initiated by the township board shall
follow the above procedures, except that the responsibilities assigned above to
the chief shall be performed by the township board.
(d) Theft; cause for dismissal. In addition to such
administrative rules that may be
promulgated
by the chief, theft of township property or other property at the scene of an
emergency shall be cause for dismissal.
(e) Response by firefighters while intoxicated. Firefighters
shall not respond to
emergencies,
meetings or training sessions while under the influence of alcohol or any
controlled substances.
(Ord. No. 156, art. VI, §§
601--605, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-64.
Compensation.
Compensation to firefighters
shall be in such amounts as may be determined from time to time by the township
board. The department shall keep accurate records that indicate the amount of
compensable time served by all personnel. The time records shall be submitted
quarterly to the fire chief. The chief shall approve the time records and
submit to the clerk for payment.
(Ord. No. 156, art. VII, §
701, 2-11-91)
Secs. 34-65--34-75.
Reserved.
DIVISION 4.
OPERATIONS
Sec. 34-76.
Emergency responses.
(a) When responding to emergencies, all personnel will drive
emergency vehicles
with
appropriate concern for the safety of the public and defensive driving. Use of
emergency signals on vehicles shall be considered a request for the
right-of-way from other drivers.
(b) Use of emergency signal equipment shall be permitted only
when the department
has
been officially dispatched to an emergency.
(Ord. No. 156, art. IX, §§
901, 902, 2-11-91)
Sec. 34-77.
Fire department equipment.
(a) Protective gear shall be worn when engaged in firefighting in
any enclosed
structure,
or outdoors when warranted.
(b) Lost or damaged equipment shall be reported as soon as
possible to an officer.
Township
property shall be disposed only with the prior approval of the township board.
All department-issued equipment shall be returned to the chief by personnel
leaving the department.
(c) No person shall willfully molest, take for his own private
use, or damage in any
manner,
any firefighting equipment or anything pertaining to the firefighting system,
or drive any vehicle upon or against any hose or equipment of the fire
department.
Sec. 34-78. Use
of fire station.
(a) Only township-owned vehicles and equipment may be kept at the
fire station.
Department
equipment shall not be borrowed for private use.
(b) Private vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.
(c) Alcohol and controlled substances shall not be brought into
the fire station.
(Ord. No. 156, art. XI, §§
1101--1103, 2-11-91)
Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective on the
thirtieth day after publication after adoption.
This ordinance was read for the first time on
January 9, 2006, published on January 17, 2006, read for the second time and
adopted by the Georgetown Charter Township Board on January 23, 2006, published
for the second time on January 31, 2006, and effective thirty days from second
publication which is March 3, 2006.
Yeas: Bill Holland, Daniel Carlton, Del South,
Stanley Sterk, Dale Mohr, R. J. Poel,
Richard VanderKlok
Nay: none
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-07 - Annual Township Spring Clean-up
Moved
by R. J. Poel, seconded by Del South, to approve the Annual Township Spring
Clean-up day for Saturday May 6, 2006, to be conducted at the site of Allied
Waste, 2471 Wilshere Dr. Jenison. Contract will include the following charges:
trucks $38.19 per ton, trucks and operators $82.75 per hour, yard waste $7.51
per ton, front end loader and operator $128.75 per hour. Hours of operation will be 7:00AM to 4:00 pm,
Emergency Services will check ID at the main gate.
Note: The Services Committee
recommends approval
A
suggestion was made that the committee review initiating a fee to counteract
the increases and bring a recommendation to the Board.
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-08 - Bid opening of New Fire Apparatus, held
Tuesday January 10, 2006, 4:00 p.m.
Moved
by Daniel Carlton, seconded by Richard VanderKlok, to approve receiving the Bid
and awarding the purchase of a new Fire Apparatus from HME for
$308,831.00. This apparatus will the housed
at Station No.1. Equipment for operation
will be purchased from various vendors and
will be selected by lowest Bid.
Note: Other Bids: West Shore
Fire-$439,681.00 + $130,850.00
American
La France-$360,575.74 + $51,744.74
Service
Committee recommends approval
Yeas: Bill Holland, Daniel Carlton, Del South,
Stanley Sterk, Dale Mohr, R. J. Poel,
Richard VanderKlok
Nay: none
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-09 - Authorization to Sell Two Fire Vehicles
Moved
by Del South, seconded by R. J. Poel, to authorize the sale of two fire
vehicles (878 and 2201).
Note: The
Finance Committee recommended approval
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-10 - Holiday Duty Team Adjusted
Moved
by R. J. Poel, seconded by Richard VanderKlok, to approve increasing
Firefighter Holiday Duty Teams from 2 Firefighters to 5 member teams. Holiday pay is to be $40.00 for the day, plus
any fire calls. Wages will be paid from
the payroll budget. The 6 holidays are
as follows: New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
and Christmas. This is within the
budget.
Note: The
Services Committee recommends approval
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-11 - Request to Purchase Turn
Out Gear
Moved
by Del South, seconded by R. J. Poel, to approve purchasing 10 full sets of
Turn Out Gear, (coats and pants) and one additional pants from West Shore Fire
at a total cost of $14,630.00. Price is
increased after January 15, 2006. This
is budgeted for 2006
Note: Three
Quotes Considered: West Shore
Fire-$1385.00, Time Emergency-
$1385.00,
Five Alarm-$1232.00
Service
Committee recommends approval
Yeas: Bill Holland, Daniel Carlton, Del South,
Stanley Sterk, Dale Mohr, R. J. Poel,
Richard VanderKlok
Nay: none
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-12 - Bids for Legal Advertising,
2006/2007
Moved
by R. J. Poel, seconded by Del South, to approve the Bid proposal from Advance
Newspaper for legal advertising in the Grand Valley Advance east/west edition
from April 1, 2006 thru March 31, 2007, in the amount of $3.39 per column inch.
Legal notices to be published on Tuesdays of each week as needed
Note: Other
Bid: Grand Rapids Press, Grandville Jenison edition at $3.67 per
column
inch
Service Committee Recommends approval
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-13 - Special Use Permit (SUP0601) Chapel Pointe, 3350
Baldwin
Moved
by Daniel Carlton, seconded by Richard VanderKlok, to approve Special Use Permit (SUP0601)
Chapel Pointe, 1675 Baldwin St., to have a church under Sec. 7.3(A) and 6.3(Q),
on a parcel of land described as P.P. # 70-14-17-400-024, located at 3350
Baldwin, in a (RR) Rural Residential district, Georgetown Township, Ottawa
County, Michigan, because the proposed plan meets the applicable standards of
the ordinance for the site plan under
Sec. 19.4 and for the general special use standards under Sec. 20.3(A) and the
specific special use standards under Sec. 20.4(E), with the following
condition:
·
The zoning
administrator is to review the materials and design of the adult/youth ministry
building to assure that materials and design are similar to the main building
at the time that a building permit is submitted to the Township for the
ministry building.
Note: The Planning Commission
recommended approval
paper
copies of the site plan available at the Township Office
letter
from neighbor about drainage
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-14 - Special Use
Permit (SUP0602) Aukeman Development, 3290,
3326
Harrison,
Balsum Dr.
Moved by Stanley Sterk, seconded
by R. J. Poel, to approve Special Use
Permit (SUP0602) Aukeman Development, One Royal Park Drive, Zeeland, to have
commercial soil removal under Sec. 6.3(L), on parcels of land described as P.P.
# 70-14-29-200-036, 70-14-29-200-037, 70-14-28-100-031 and 70-14-28-100-032,
located at 3290 and 3326 Harrison and Balsum Dr., in a (RR) Rural Residential
district and (AG) Agriculture district, Georgetown Township, Ottawa County,
Michigan, because the proposed plan meets the applicable standards of the
ordinance for the site plan under Sec. 19.4 and for the general special use
standards under Sec. 20.3(A) and the specific special use standards under Sec.
20.4(H), with the following
conditions:
·
A Mineral Mining
License be obtained and that all operation adhere to any conditions imposed by
the license;
·
A signed DEQ
permit be submitted prior to any commercial soil removal activities commencing;
·
Hours of
operation be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. Saturday, and no Sundays or holidays (as stipulated on the site
plan);
·
The haul route is
the proposed Kreekfield Dr. to Port Sheldon, then either left or right (as
stipulated on the site plan), and all roads within the site including
Kreekfield Drive are to be maintained in a manner that controls dust and
prevents debris from being carried onto public streets;
·
All berms are to
be maintained;
·
There are no
implied approvals for the residential development shown for the reclamation
plan, but rather the applicant must meet all ordinances and application
processes for the development at the time in the future when ready to proceed
with the residential development.
Note: The Planning Commission
recommended approval
paper
copies of the site plan available at the Township Office
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-15 - (REZ0601) Zoning Ordinance
Amendments
Moved by Del South, seconded
by Daniel Carlton, to deny the proposed ordinance amendment as follows because
the intention of the LMR district is for sites to be more affordable and the
option exists to develop the site in the LDR district with dry sewer, plus this
would cause problems for the Department of Public Works.
Chapter
24
(e) All
lots shall be serviced by public water and sanitary sewer (installation of
dry sewer mains fulfills this obligation on installed sewer when parcels have a
minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet).
Note: The Planning Commission
recommended denial.
MOTION
CARRIED.
Moved by
Del South, and seconded by Daniel Carlton, to approve the proposed ordinance
amendment as follows to eliminate footnote (f) from the LMR district (only) in
Chapter 24 because it is an error to refer to two family dwellings in the LMR
since they are not permitted in the LMR.
(f) All
two family dwelling structures shall have a minimum lot area of fifteen
thousand (15,000) square feet and a minimum lot width of one hundred twenty
(120) feet, provided when public water and sanitary sewer are available
(installation of dry sewer mains fulfills this obligation on installed sewer)
the minimum frontage requirement is reduced to one hundred (100) feet and the
lot area is reduced to fourteen thousand (14,000) square feet. (Note:
The removal of footnote (f) relates to lots in the LMR district only)
Note: The Planning Commission
recommended approval. Note that the
Planning
Commission tabled Sec. 22.2(B) for further study and there is not a recommendation
to the Board for this section at this time.
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-16 - Rezoning
(REZ0506)
Moved
by Daniel Carlton, seconded by Del South, to approve Rezoning (REZ0506) To change from (RR) Rural
Residential to (LDR) Low Density Residential a parcel of land described as P.P.
# 70-14-18-300-022,
located at 4724 Baldwin, and to leave P.P. # 70-14-18-300-021 zoned LDR,
therefore, denying the request to rezone to LMR, Georgetown Township, Ottawa
County, Michigan, because it is consistent with the Master Plan.
Note: As recommended by the Planning
Commission as presented.
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-17 - Authorize Clerk to Solicit Bids for Vehicle
and to Trade Old Vehicle
Moved
by R. J. Poel, seconded by Daniel Carlton, to authorize the Clerk to solicit
bids for a vehicle, half ton pickup, and to trade an old vehicle.
Note: The
Finance Committee recommended approval
MOTION CARRIED.
#060123-18 - Public Comment
No
one was present to make comments.
#060123-19 - Board Open Discussion
Del
South asked the committee to look at permitting part time employees to skate
for free. Stanley Sterk said that the
reduction for the density was not necessary for the project for Aukeman noted
in the Planning Commission minutes.
#060123-20 - Announcement of any scheduled meeting of
interest to board members
Bill
Holland stated that the MTA conference starts tomorrow and the Mineral Mining
Board is to meet February 6, 2006.
#060123-21 - Reports from Standing Committees
Water/Sewer
committee minutes of January 9, 2006
Services
Committee meeting minutes of January 16, 2006
Finance
Committee meeting minutes of January 20, 2006
#060123-22 - Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
William Holland, Supervisor
R.
J. Poel, Clerk